Jacob Sagrera checks an alligator skin for marks. Then, he rates it to help a tannery use it for making luxury items like purses.
American alligators were once at risk of being hunted until there were none left in the wild. Decades ago, they were added to the Endangered Species List.
At the time, scientists in the US state of Louisiana had an idea to increase the animal’s numbers. They suggested that farmers raise alligators to sell their meat and skins and release some back into the wild.
Now, Louisiana has about 400,000 farmed alligators every year. American alligators are a species of “Least Concern”.
Some animal advocates say that raising alligators on farms is harmful. They also worry that the demand for the animal’s skins can lead to poaching.
